Esther Parnell Hewlett

Esther Parnell Hewlett (1895–1975) is best remembered for crochet pattern books and related craft designs, including Designs for Crazy Daisy Winder, which has been preserved through Project Gutenberg. Her work sits in the world of practical home crafts, where clear instructions and repeatable designs mattered as much as style.

She is also closely associated with Palomar Mountain in California, where later historical accounts describe her as a devoted butterfly collector and raiser, sometimes called the "Butterfly Girl" or "Butterfly Queen" of the area. That unusual mix of interests—needlework and butterflies—makes her stand out from many other craft writers of her era.

Although detailed biographical information is limited in the sources I found, records confirm she was born in 1895 and died in 1975. What remains most vivid is the impression of a creative and energetic woman whose published patterns and local legacy kept her name in circulation long after her lifetime.